Elon Musk has proposed transforming the sparsely populated regions of España vaciada (Empty Spain) into a major source of renewable electricity for Europe through large‑scale solar power. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the billionaire chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX said areas with low population density such as parts of rural Spain and Sicily could host solar installations capable of generating the continent’s electricity needs.

Musk made the comments during a wide‑ranging conversation with Larry Fink, chairman and chief executive of global investment firm BlackRock, focusing on energy, technology and future economic trends. He said the technology required to build such large solar installations already exists, and that what is needed now is the will and investment to deploy it.

“Relatively sparsely populated areas, such as parts of Spain and Sicily, could generate all the electricity Europe needs.” Musk said, suggesting that European energy security could be strengthened by leveraging geographical advantages and solar potential in regions with abundant sunshine and available land.

Musks Vision of Solar Energy in Europe

Solar potential and broader energy perspective

Musk pointed to examples abroad to underline his argument. He noted that China already operates solar farms producing hundreds of gigawatts per year, demonstrating that the infrastructure and capability are within reach. He said that similar projects in rural Spain or Sicily could, if implemented at scale, supply enough power for Europe’s needs.

During the discussion, Musk also referenced possible solar development in parts of the United States such as Nevada, Utah or New Mexico, suggesting that large desert or under‑utilised landscapes around the world could support utility‑scale solar power.

Energy experts say that solar power is already a significant component of the European renewable mix, with countries such as Spain and Germany having expanded capacity rapidly in recent years. However, the idea of dedicating extensive rural land exclusively to continental power generation at the scale Musk described has not yet been adopted as official policy by European governments.

Musk’s broader tech and energy comments at Davos

Robotics, AI and criticism of trade barriers

In addition to his remarks on solar power, Musk used the Davos platform to outline broader views on technology and the future economy.

He argued that robots will become increasingly common, predicting that in a relatively short timeframe there would be “more robots than people.” Musk said that Tesla’s humanoid robots, known as Optimus, are already performing simple tasks in the company’s factories and could be available for consumer purchase in 2027.

On artificial intelligence, Musk projected that AI could reach human‑level intelligence as early as late 2026 or 2027, and that AI capable of surpassing human collective reasoning might emerge by around 2030 or 2031. He emphasised the importance of caution in developing AI and robotics, warning against scenarios that resemble science fiction depictions of uncontrollable machines.

Musk also criticised certain US trade policies, particularly tariffs that increase the cost of importing solar cells from China, a move he said undermines broader deployment of renewable energy technologies by raising costs.

Response from European energy and political circles

No formal European endorsement yet

Officials in Spain and across Europe have acknowledged the potential of renewable energy and the value of expanding solar infrastructure, but the proposal to transform España vaciada into a continental energy hub remains an individual vision rather than a coordinated policy. Spain has its own national renewable ambitions, with solar and wind forming a growing share of the electricity mix, but large‑scale transnational energy projects would require extensive regulatory, environmental and economic planning.

At present, neither the Spanish government nor European institutions have committed to Musk’s idea as an official strategy. Experts caution that extensive deployment of solar installations at the level Musk described would involve significant land‑use planning, grid upgrades and financing frameworks before it could become a reality.

Key points

• Elon Musk proposed using rural Spanish regions (España vaciada) to build large solar farms for Europe.
• He spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos during a conversation with BlackRock’s Larry Fink.
• Musk said existing technology could make such projects feasible if there is the will to implement them.
• He also commented on robotics advances, AI timelines and criticised US solar import tariffs.
• The idea has not been adopted as official energy policy in Spain or the EU.

Future energy implications

The concept of turning España vaciada into a major source of renewable electricity ties into broader debates about Europe’s energy independence, sustainability goals and post‑fossil‑fuel transition strategies. As European nations pursue climate targets, the role of utility‑scale solar power continues to receive attention from policymakers, investors and industry leaders. Whether Musk’s vision will spur new initiatives remains to be seen, but his comments add to ongoing conversations about the future of energy infrastructure in Europe.

The House of Lords has voted in favour of an amendment to ban social media use for children under 16, intensifying the UK political debate over online harms and digital child safety. The cross-party vote on Wednesday 21 saw 261 peers support the measure against 150 opposing it, applying pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government to act on rising public concerns about social media’s impact on young people.

The amendment, proposed by Conservative peer Lord John Nash and supported by politicians from multiple parties, was added to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. It mirrors a similar law recently implemented in Australia that prohibits social media use by under-16s, a policy already prompting platforms to deactivate millions of youth accounts.

Government consultation and next steps

Although peers backed the amendment, the UK government has not formally adopted a ban yet. Ministers have launched a three-month public consultation to explore the potential ban and other options – such as raising the digital age of consent and introducing time-based curfews on app usage – with results expected by the summer.

Downing Street has stated it will consider all options, with Prime Minister Starmer indicating that “no option is off the table” while assessing evidence, including outcomes of Australia’s policy. Over 60 Labour MPs have also urged the government to support stricter age limits for social media access.

If the amended bill reaches the House of Commons, MPs could affirm, modify or overturn the Lords’ decision before it becomes law. Proponents argue the measure is vital to protect mental health, reduce exposure to harmful content and give parents more support. Opponents caution that enforcement and age verification present practical challenges, and some urge a broader regulatory approach focused on platform design and algorithm transparency.

Why the issue matters

Campaigners and parents have rallied behind the proposal, claiming that social media’s addictive design and exposure to harmful material contribute to rising anxiety, cyber-bullying and mental health issues among children. Figures such as actor Hugh Grant and bereaved families have publicly called for stronger protections, reflecting growing public concern.

As the UK navigates its approach, it joins a small group of countries testing age-specific restrictions on digital platforms. The outcome of this consultation and parliamentary debate could reshape how social media is regulated for minors across the UK.

On a cold morning, it’s a scene most drivers know well. You’re running late, the car’s been outside all night, and the windscreen is still covered in ice. You scrape a small patch, hop in and hope for the best.

In Spain, that quick decision could now cost you up to €200.

The country’s traffic authority, the DGT, has instructed the Guardia Civil to step up roadside checks during cold weather, focusing on one thing above all else: visibility. If officers believe your view of the road isn’t clear enough, they can fine you on the spot – even if you haven’t caused an accident.

And yes, that includes driving with frozen or misted windows.

Why police are stopping drivers over frozen glass

According to traffic sources, the crackdown has intensified during recent cold spells, especially in areas where cars are often left outside overnight. The reasoning is simple: a driver who cannot see properly is considered a risk, regardless of how slowly they are driving.

Spanish traffic law requires motorists to maintain clear and sufficient visibility at all times. That doesn’t just apply to the windscreen, but to all glass surfaces that affect the driver’s field of vision. If ice, condensation, dirt or even damage gets in the way, officers are allowed to intervene.

Importantly, a fine can be issued without any incident taking place. It’s enough for an officer to judge that the driver’s visibility is compromised.

For many motorists, especially in colder inland regions, this has come as an unwelcome surprise.

Everyday habits that can land you a fine

What’s catching drivers out is that many of the situations being penalised are things people don’t always think of as offences. Setting off with frost still clinging to the windscreen, relying on wipers to clear ice, or driving while the glass is still fogged can all be seen as violations.

Cracks or stone chips in the driver’s line of sight can also be an issue, as can stickers, suction mounts or other objects stuck to the windscreen. Even if these have been there for months, they may suddenly become a problem during a routine stop.

While these fines don’t carry penalty points, the €200 sanction is enough to make most drivers think twice – especially when it’s imposed during a routine commute.

Are these fines always justified? Not necessarily

Legal experts say that, while the rules on visibility are clear, the way fines are issued can vary. Pyramid Consulting, a firm specialising in traffic law, notes that some sanctions are based on vague descriptions and lack concrete evidence that visibility was genuinely impaired.

In those cases, a fine may be open to appeal. Common grounds include insufficient proof, incorrect classification of the offence or procedural errors. Each situation depends on what the officer recorded at the time and how the sanction was documented.

Still, lawyers stress that contesting a fine doesn’t change the basic responsibility placed on drivers. If visibility is questionable, the safest option is to wait until the glass is fully clear.

The message from the DGT is blunt

The authorities aren’t asking for perfection – but they are demanding common sense. If you can’t see properly, you shouldn’t be driving. With winter weather continuing across many parts of Spain, enforcement is unlikely to ease anytime soon.

So next time you’re tempted to scrape just enough ice to “get by”, remember this: a few extra minutes in the cold is a lot cheaper than a €200 fine.

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